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in Blog· Stress and Adrenal Health· Women's Health

Four Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

How do you keep yourself from falling into a mental slump during the winter?

  1. Vitamin D 

    Consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. Studies have linked Vitamin D deficiency and depression. Out of the many receptors in our brain, some of these are Vitamin D receptors which begins to explain the link between Vitamin D and the state of our mental health. Many of us do not receive enough Vitamin D even during the summer, let alone during the shortest days of the year, so getting your levels tested may provide insight into why you don’t feel your best during the winter. Read more about vitamin D on this post.

  2. Take up an indoor hobby or activity

    Pass the time during the short days and even better, have something on your calendar on a regular basis that you can look forward to. Maybe it’s a good excuse to finally take that art or cooking class you’ve been considering or buy a yoga package at a studio nearby!

  3. Embrace hygge

    Hygge, according to Hygge House, is “a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special.” Think sitting by the fire while it snows outside or even just the comfort wrapping up in warm blanket. This is the most cost effective suggestion for beating the winter blues, because hygge is a feeling. It’s finding warmth and intimacy during the coldest days. Try to think of the winter as an excuse to do all of the coziest activities, rather than think of all of the things you can’t do until it warms up. Give it a try! This may mean incorporating a habit of enjoying a warm cup of tea into your evenings or hosting a casual dinner party for friends instead of braving the cold to go out.

  4. Incorporate more warm meals into your diet

    Is there anything more comforting than a delicious warm bowl of soup or stew in the winter? Now is the time to break out the ol’ crockpot and get those veggies simmering. There is an endless amount of comfort food to make. For some inspiration, take a look at these crockpot recipes on the New York Times Cooking and these tips from Healthyish for making the best crock pot meals!

 

Authored by Ellen Davenport

Resources

Hygge Definition & how to pronounce it?

Depression

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Do you take supplements? How did you decide which Do you take supplements?  How did you decide which ones were right for you?  One of my favorites that can benefit many is black elderberry. Have you heard of it? 
 
This powerful herb helps: 
Reduce inflammation
Enhance immune system
Benefit cardiovascular function
 
The second bullet point highlights why elderberry is SO important to take in winter months. Our immune systems are getting back up to speed this season after two years! Elderberry is well researched and shown to be an effective supplement for fighting bacteria and viruses. 

Share this post with a friend who may benefit from black elderberry.
If you are what you eat, what are you? I actually If you are what you eat, what are you?

I actually used to obsess over what I ate. That wasn’t a long term solution for good nutrition, so I’ve learned how to eat what makes me feel good and is health promoting. 

Learn more about how you can take control of your health with nutrition, click the link in bio.
The winter blues hit everyone differently. You mig The winter blues hit everyone differently. You might find yourself looking to food or sleep for comfort while the weather changes your sleep and mood.

While you can’t change the weather, here’s some proactive steps you can take to battle the blues: ❄️

🥕 Eat Your Veggies. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you need to eat heavy, high fat processed foods. Explore recipes like hearty vegetable soups, roasted vegetables, and omega 3 rich foods. 

🏂 Go Outside. Exercise inside is fantastic, but don’t let that keep you from a brisk walk outside. 

🤗 Keep Social. Social interaction is important for your mood. Make sure to keep your social engagements even if you don’t feel like leaving your house. You will be glad you did.
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